German Vet Hails Nazi Withdrawal

July 12, 1934

Paterson (Jul. 11)

Richard Kruger, commander of the Newark Post of the Federation of German and Austrian War Veterans, today approved the withdrawal of the Hudson County Post and the German Legion of New York City, from the Federation at a stormy meeting yesterday in Steuben Hall.

“The withdrawal,” he said, “is an entirely adequate solution of the troublesome problem of the Friends of New Germany, who interrupt our program. Voluntary withdrawal of these posts will show the American Legion and the American Federation of Veterans of Foreign Wars and other American friends that there is no room for provocateurs of race-hatred and religious recrimination within the ranks of the German and Austrian Veterans Federation. To spread good-will and a better understanding between ourselves and those whom we opposed as foemen in the trenches remains the aim and purpose of our national organization and its local posts.”

The withdrawal of these delegations from the Federation followed a declaration of the German and Austrian Veterans that “the Swastika is an un-American symbol that constitutes an insult to the Jewish comrades within our ranks” after it repulsed efforts of certain members of that body to align with the Friends of the New Germany.